Snow! Snow! Where did ya go?! It's hard to complain about more than two weeks of sunshine, but this is Trout Lake in December. Sure, the roads and trails were clear, and we had the chance to clean up one last pile of branches and leaves. That was nice, to be sure. But a deep cover of snow is as much a part of Trout Lake life as botox and facelifts are in L.A. It just doesn't seem normal without it. But as I write, I see the forecast is soon changing, and we shall all be back skiing, snowmobiling...and shoveling and scraping (Be careful what you wish for!).

Trout Lake School had its annual Winter Program on Monday, Dec. 12. As of Monday, Dec. 12, there are also wreaths and swags still available for purchase, to benefit the Trout Lake Chapter of the National Honor Society. The Trout Lake ASB has also decided to make every home basketball game of the 2011-2012 season FREE, due to the hard economy. While the proceeds from ticket sales is essential for funding athletic activities, they hope to fill the gap with concession sales and other sources.

The Mount Adams Baptist Church is collecting food and money for its annual Christmas food basket program. Donations should be dropped off no later than 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 20. There will be performances on Dec. 20, at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Refreshments, fruit, and breakfast breads will be available after the morning performance, and dessert will be available after the 6:30 caroling. For more information, call Ruth at 395-2712.

The Trout Lake Country Inn will host a holiday celebration on Dec. 18, from 3 to 6 p.m. Plenty of hot chocolate and cookies will be available, and Santa himself is rumored to be paying a visit before his long Christmas journey. So, bring your cameras, for a chance to get a picture with Mr. Claus, and to get a good word in a week before Christmas. Any questions, please call 395-3667.